As with any medicine, betaxolol may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects (most people actually tolerate it quite well). If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Fatigue
- A slow heart rate
- Nausea
- Temporary eye discomfort.
(Click Side Effects of Betaxolol to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Using Betaxolol?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking betaxolol if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Betaxolol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, more often known as
beta blockers. As the name implies, these medications block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the eyes, the heart, and blood vessels. Stress hormones (such as adrenaline) bind to these receptors and cause certain reactions in the body, such as:
By blocking beta receptors, betaxolol causes the reverse effect of stress hormones and reduces blood pressure. It is important to note that betaxolol is more likely to block beta-1 receptors (such as those in the eyes, heart, and blood vessels), opposed to beta-2 receptors (such as those found in the lungs). This can theoretically make the medication safer than other beta blockers for people with breathing problems such as
asthma.
Betaxolol lowers the pressure in the eye by decreasing the amount of fluid produced by the eye (known as aqueous humor).
When and How to Take Betaxolol
Some general considerations include the following:
- Betaxolol comes in the form of tablets or an eye drop. It is usually used once or twice a day, depending on the particular product.
- You can take this medication either with a meal or on an empty stomach.
- For the eye drops, be sure you know exactly how to use the drops. The solution (regular Betoptic) does not need to be shaken, but the suspension (Betoptic S®) must be shaken before each use.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Betaxolol will not work if you stop taking it.
- In general, the tablet form of the medication should not be stopped suddenly, as serious problems (including heart attacks) may result.
The dose of betaxolol that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular product
- The medical condition being treated
- How you respond to the medication
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Betaxolol Drug Interactions
An overdose is likely to cause dangerously low
blood pressure (hypotension), a slow heart rate (bradycardia), and other serious problems. If you happen to overdose on betaxolol, seek medical attention immediately.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Betaxolol?
If you forget to take your dose, take the missed dose as soon as your remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Betaxolol tablets (
Kerlone) come in the following strengths:
- Betaxolol 10 mg
- Betaxolol 20 mg.
Betaxolol eye drops (
Betoptic and Betoptic S) come in the following strengths and forms:
- Betaxolol S 0.25 percent suspension
- Betaxolol 0.5 percent solution.
Is There a Generic Version of Betaxolol?
Kerlone and regular
Betoptic solution are available in generic form. Betoptic S suspension is not available in generic form.
